by adminFIDA Nigeria Capacity-Building Workshops on Monitoring, Evaluation, Documentation, and Learning Approaches on SGBV & CEFM
FIDA Nigeria with support from SCALE on the 19th of September 2022, held a 3-day capacity-building workshop on monitoring, evaluation, documentation, and learning approaches on SGBV & CEFM Prevention and Response in Nigeria for civil society organizations in Southern and Northern Nigeria. Thirty-six (36) beneficiaries drawn from civil society organizations (inclusive of SCALE advocacy clusters) attended the workshops.
The workshop was organized with the intention of developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, enhancing advocacy and communication skills for improved learning for participating organizations across the project states.
It is expected that following the enhanced capacities from the workshops, civil society organizations would be better equipped to document their successes, track progress in their various interventions at the state and local level as well scale up their capacities towards improved adoption of monitoring and evaluation strategies for development interventions through an M&E strategic framework towards an improved documentation process amongst other things.
by adminFIDA Holds DFATD Supported Project Inception Meeting
FIDA Nigeria, Plateau State Branch with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Canada (“DFATD'”), following the flag off of the project on Promoting the Inclusion of Women in Peace Building and Conflict Mitigation Across Communities in Plateau State held an inception meeting.
The meeting which was held on the 4th and 6th of September in Kwok Community, Barkin Ladi LGA and Ta-Hoss Community, Riyom LGA of the state availed stakeholders an opportunity to discuss the prevalence of conflict across the respective communities.
FIDA Nigeria was further able to obtain stakeholders commitment and buy-in on the objectives and goals of the project at the meeting
by adminFIDA Nigeria Invites Application for a Consultant
Call For Expression of Interest to Develop A Training Manual For Law Enforcement Agencies On Prevention And Response To Violence Against Women During Elections, Gender And Disability Protection Approach In Policing Elections.
Introduction
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-governmental organization made up of over 4,000 female lawyers with several years’ experience in utilizing the law to address social problems in Nigeria. The organization’s mandate is the enhancement, promotion, protection and preservation of the rights and welfare of women and children in Nigeria. FIDA Nigeria implements key projects and activities aimed at providing access to justice to indigent persons, particularly women and children.
Background
Women constitute a powerful electorate with millions of votes. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerian women signaled their intention to make their voices heard in the 2019 election, accounting for about 47.14 per cent (39,598,645 million) of the 84,004.084 million registered voters nationwide. In 2015, three million, six hundred and sixty-seven thousand, and seventy-six (3,667,076) housewives voted in the presidential election, placing next to students (4,480,708) and civil servants (4,628,433). Similarly, housewives rank third on the list of registered voters by group in the 2019 election. They represented 14.10 per cent of the total registered voters by group, next to farmers/fishers (16.23 per cent) and students (26.57 per cent). This figure does not include the millions of women across the various other groups
However, inspite of this progress recorded, Women’s participation in the elective positions has been minimal and has multi-dimensional implications for the democratic project in Nigeria and for the continuing quest for gender equality in Africa’s biggest economy. The 2019 elections was the sixth consecutive general elections since the beginning of the fourth republic in 1999. This marks what is undoubtedly a measure of democratic progress, if only for conducting periodic elections since the return to civil rule. What remains deeply in doubt, however, is how inclusive this progress has been and, in particular, to what extent women have benefited from the democratic dividend of equality and fairness. With gender issues and women’s political and economic empowerment taking center stage on the global arena, Nigeria appears intent on maintaining its position at the bottom of the ladder of women’s political empowerment. Recent data indicates that women’s rates of participation in formal decision making remain one of the lowest on the continent and across the world with women occupying an abysmal 5.6 per cent (86 out of 1534) of all elective positions at both the national and subnational levels.
The lack of inclusive participation of women and youth in the political affairs and governance is alarming. Women and youths who constitute a critical population are aloof or less involved in politics and governance. They are not also proactively demanding for accountability from the government and governmental actors. Participation of the majority of the youths and women in politics and electioneering takes the form of vote buying & selling during elections. The monetization of the electoral process makes it very expensive and difficult for credible persons in the communities, particularly women & youths to aspire for political party offices and general elective positions.
Essential to women participation is the eradication of political violence, in other words, it is of paramount importance to condense political violence before and after elections so that women can fully participate in elections . In the same degree The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) states that, elections have triggered outbreaks of violence in which women and girls were victimized. In others instances violence against women has been a tool of political harassment and intimidation of female election candidates. In addition, female voters continue to be disproportionately affected by various forms of election-related violence or threats of violence which has the effect of keeping them away from the polling stations more than male voters.
Purpose of Consultancy
As the countdown to 2023 General Elections emerges, The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria with support from UNWomen will implement her intervention tilted toward improving women’s participation in Nigeria across four focal states namely Kwara (North Central), Borno (North East), Plateau (North Central) and Kaduna (North West). The project aims to mitigate violence against women in elections through a collaborative and systemic approach with Stakeholders such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, Security agencies, the Electoral institute and other credible organizations.
We will through our various interventionist approaches aim at improving the participation of women at the general elections by strengthening the capacity of selected networks, institutions, electoral bodies, and oversight mechanisms to better prevent and respond to VAWP, SGBV and other forms of VAW” that may deter female electorates towards exercising their franchise at the polls across the four project states of, Borno, Kwara, Kaduna, Plateau States. Based on the above, FIDA Nigeria is seeking to engage a consultant to develop a training manual on prevention and response to violence against women during elections, and gender and disability protection approach in policing elections for Law Enforcement Agencies.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be tasked to develop a comprehensive manual with the following tepical sessions: Introduction to VAWE (Violence against Women in Elections),Mapping and measuring VAWE—(Violence against Women in Elections),Violence against VAWE, Legal and Policy reform to prevent and respond to VAWE, Integrating VAWE into Election Observation/Violence, Monitoring, Preventing and Mitigating VAWE through electoral arrangements and disability &Social inclusivity in election security management
Review and Validation of the Training Manual
In collaboration with the Project Team, the Programme Manager shall review and validate all contents of the training manual. A proposed training manual outline and method for teaching each topic/chapter shall be submitted to fidanigeria@yahoo.com. The training materials developed must be delivered to the National Programme Manager on a date not later than the deadline for submission via email on fidanigeria@yahoo.com.
Requirements
The applicant should be a national or international educational, research, think-tank, NGO or any relevant organization with the expertise and reputation of developing training manuals in peace building and conflict resolution.
Duration
The assignment is for a period of five weeks from the date of signing the contract.
Fees
The fees for this assignment is subject to negotiation with the selected individual.
How to apply
Qualified candidates should send curriculum vitae and cover letter detailing relevant experiences to the addressed to the Country Vice-President/National President to hr@fida.org.ng or fidanigeria@yahoo.com
Subject of e-mail should be “Application for Consultancy to develop a training Manual”
Deadline: Applications should be submitted on or before 10th October 2022.
by adminWomen’s Rights Movement in Nigeria- A Step Closer to Gender Parity and Abolition of Gender Discrimination!
FIDA Nigeria, a vanguard in the quest for gender parity, joins millions of others to celebrate the commendable bold move of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who ended the denial of women inheritance that was prevalent among cultures in Rivers State, when he signed into law on Thursday, 15th September, 2022, the Rivers State Prohibition of the Curtailment of Women’s Right to Share in Family Property Law No. 2 of 2022.
The passage of this law by the Executive Governor of Rivers State is a clear testament to the tenacity and resoluteness of his administration to eradicate and prohibit the restrictions that abound in Rivers state which restrictions, abrogate or curtail the rights of women to share in family property, or make it a taboo for female children to inherit property.
This law is one which FIDA Nigeria has consistently advocated for its passage, all over the country being that it reinforces the truism that Women’s rights are indeed Human rights and as such, MUST be safeguarded and protected at all cost! The Importance of this law cannot be over-emphasized as it will enable women in Rivers state to effectively actualize their potentials, and allow them to inherit their entitlements while paving the way for discrimination to be challenged in court, riding on the back of the new Law.
Certainly, it is mind boggling and beyond reasonable contemplation that, in view of all the giant strides recorded by mankind in the 21st Century, women in parts of Nigeria are still being subjugated based solely on their gender, sometimes leading to outright denial of their rights which the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has already guaranteed.
It is sequel to the foregoing that, FIDA Nigeria in continuation of its commitment towards protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of indigent women and children, makes this Clarion call on all State Governors to emulate the exceedingly commendable step taken by the Executive Governor of Rivers State and ensure the passage of this law and similar other laws in their states, particularly for States that are yet to pass into law the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act; and the Child’s Rights Act, amongst others.
The above call by FIDA Nigeria extends to all stakeholders in the movement towards the eradication of bias and discrimination rooted in gender inequality. Together we can push for greater actualization for gender parity across all spheres of society as we remain resolute in ensuring a society free from all forms of gender-based discrimination.
#Womenrightsarehumanrights. #genderparity. #togetherwecan #FIDANigeria
Yours in service,
Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/CVP
FIDA Nigeria
by adminFIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Epe Branch, Lagos State
Following the successful Inauguration of FIDA Nigeria Ikeja Branch Lagos State, as the 44th Branch of the Association, FIDA Nigeria resolute on further extending her reach to communities and people at the grassroots, inaugurated FIDA Nigeria Epe Branch Lagos State as her 45th Branch.
The inauguration took place at the KFA Event Center, Km 15, Lekki-Epe Express Way, Lekki, with the theme ”Economic and Intellectual Empowerment for the Women at the Grassroot”
The jurisdiction of the new Branch covers Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe Local Government Areas of Lagos State, which all fall under the Epe Judicial Division of Lagos state.
The National Executive Committee of FIDA Nigeria was represented by the Country Vice President, Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje and its National Secretary, Mrs. Eliana Martins. In attendance also was, the Chairperson, Board of Trustees (BOT) of FIDA Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Tessa Ikimi; Mrs. Biola Dosunmu; Olori Adetoun Balogun, the IyaOloja of Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Central Business District Ibeju-Lekki.
The inauguration was conducted by the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, while Her Honor Mrs. Funmi Dosunmu presided over the swearing-in of executive officers of the new Branch. The emergence of the 45th Branch of FIDA Nigeria is a clear testament to FIDA’s commitment to increasing its reach and presence towards effectively promoting, protecting and preserving the rights of women and children through the use of legal framework.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Ikeja Branch, Lagos State
FIDA Nigeria as part of its commitment towards effectively reaching the grassroots while scaling up on its core objective of protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children, inaugurated her 44th Branch, FIDA (Nigeria) Ikeja Branch Lagos State on Wednesday, 14th of September 2022.
The Inauguration ceremony took place at the NBA Ikeja Branch Secretariat Hall, Old Secretariat building, Ikeja Lagos State.
The Theme of the inauguration was “Challenges faced by Women and Children in Nigeria: The Nigerian Experience!”
In attendance at the occasion were several distinguished personalities including the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje; Chief Magistrate A.B Olagbegi Adelabu (Keynote speaker); Chairman Magistrate’s Association of Nigeria Lagos State Branch, Alex Muoka (Guest speaker); FIDA Nigeria National Secretary, Eliana Martins; amongst several other FIDA members and invited guests.
The inauguration was carried out by the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, after which the new Branch officials were sworn in. The inauguration was a huge success and underscores FIDA’s commitment to ensuring that the scope of provision of legal services (pro-bono) is broadened and extends far to the grassroots where it is mostly needed.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Commences the Implementation of A Women Inclusion in Peace Building Project in Plateau State
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is set to commence the implementation of a project with specific focus on Promoting the Inclusion of Women in Peace Building & Conflict mitigation across vulnerable communities in Plateau State, Nigeria.
On this project, FIDA Nigeria partners with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development (“DFATD”) CANADA to implement a Canadian-funded local initiative intervention.
The National Programme Manager, FIDA Nigeria, Mr Fikih Obaro, in a statement emphasized on the purpose of the project which is designed to build a cohort of Women in advancing Peacebuilding across two vulnerable communities namely Ta-Hoss community, in Riyom Local Government Area and Kwok community in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, North -Central Nigeria.
This intervention will be advanced through building skill sets of community-based women leaders, especially within a conflict context as they require a deeper understanding of the dynamics and nuances of such environment in addressing the prevailing gender issues affecting security operations and community dialogues.
This intervention affirms that women in conflict-ridden societies, possesses important strategic insights and competencies for addressing security challenges and underlying factors.
The specific objectives of the project are to:
• Establish the roles of women as peacebuilders and mediators in focal communities.
• Provide a platform for shared learning on participatory peace process by women amongst local communities
• Enhance a collaborative and coordinated approach between security agencies & focal communities in mitigating conflicts
Consequently, the project will take into context the local dynamics on gender roles while seeking to empower women through culturally reflective strategies to participate effectively in the protection of their communities through peace-building efforts.
Through mapping of community peace-building forums & networks, the intervention will deliberately seek local women’s participation in the intervention, to challenge and change existing narratives on the role of women in peace and security, that seek to dis-empower them
The project will be implemented over an eight-month period and will support existing peace-building architectures, and relevant state and non-state actors in the state will be enabled to respond on security threats /issues identified and escalated at the community level by women who will serve as community safety partners.
FIDA Nigeria was established in 1964 with its main objectives being to establish friendly international relations on the basis of equality and mutual respect for all peoples; to preserve the rights and welfare of women, children & persons with disabilities, realising that the happiness of the home and the strength of the society is dependent on their wellbeing and to proffer advice to Government in all cases of disregard relating to women and children.
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
by adminFIDA Nigeria Congratulates Hon. Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman, First Female Acting Chief Justice of Adamawa State
On the 5th of September 2022, Hon. Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman was sworn in as the first female Acting Chief Justice of Adamawa State, before His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
FIDA Nigeria congratulates and felicitates with her Lordship, on this most noble and historic accomplishment as we look forward to seeing her showcase her sterling qualities for the greater benefit of the society.
We equally congratulate all women recently elevated to the Bench across the different states of Nigeria
FIDA celebrates women who provide meritorious service
by adminFIDA Nigeria Side Event at The 62nd NBA Annual General Congress
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria on the 24th of August 2022, held her Side Event at the 62nd NBA Annual General Conference at NIIA, Victoria Island in Lagos State with the theme: Repressive Cultural and Religious Norms Against Women and Children: Bold Transitions from Rhetoric to Action
The Master of Ceremony was Oluwatomisin Adebukola, an award-winning broadcaster and journalist, a writer, and a gender and human rights advocate.
In attendance was the Special Guest of Honor, First Lady of Lagos State Her Excellency Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu ably represented by Mrs. Edith Ebute wife of the Hon Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget. And our Special Guest of Honor and Chairperson of the Session Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank.
Other Guests were the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) Cecilia Bolaji Dada, Dr Babajide Martin, Director of Public Prosecution, Lagos State; Hon. Justice Jumoke Olusola Pedro, of the Lagos State Judiciary, FIDA Nigeria National Executive Committee Members, FIDA International Director, Ezinwa Okoroafor, Joy Ezeigbo, Fida International Regional Director (west & North Africa); Past FIDA International Officers; Past National Officers; Linda Bala, First Vice Elect of the NBA; FIDA Branch Executive members
Our Plenary Session was Moderated by Prof. Felicia Anyogu, the Chairperson of FIDA CLE Committee and a Professor of Law at the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka Anambra State; Our erudite guest speakers who were most enlightening, frank, and very practical in their presentations were Chukwuemeka Eze, a Legal Practitioner and Public Affairs Analyst, Prof. Sylvia Chika Ifemeje, the Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice Anambra State, Frank Tietie, the Director Citizens Advocacy for Social Economic Rights (Caser)
FIDA Nigeria members turned out massively for the event and it was a great success
fidanigeria #nbaagc
by adminFIDA Nigeria Annual Dialogue & Peer Learning Forum for Community Gatekeepers
Since 2020 FIDA Nigeria with support from Ford Foundation has been implementing a project tagged “Work with Gate Keepers including Women Leaders, Youths, Religious Leaders and Traditional Rulers to Address Social Norms that negatively affect the status of women and entrench violence against women and girls” aimed at mitigating incidences of gender-based violence in six communities across the project focal states including Ekiti, Lagos and Plateau states by altering social norms, beliefs and traditional practices in the communities through community-led change.
As the project comes to an end, FIDA Nigeria as part of activities towards finalizing its closure on Thursday, 25th August 2022 held an “Annual Dialogue & Peer Learning Forum for Community Gatekeepers in addressing social norms that negatively affect the status of women and entrench violence against women”.
The purpose of this national dialogue was to upscale the previous dialogues organized at state level to a national level with the aim of providing a platform for learning, improved intervention approaches and collaboration amongst Gatekeepers in the project focal communities towards ending gender-based violence as well as boost self-assessment/stocktaking through peer reviews towards ensuring the sustainability of the intervention and to confer awards on selected community champions who have contributed in ending GBV in their communities.
As part of our sustainability plan for this intervention, communities have developed & created action plans to prevent prevalent harmful, religious & cultural practices experienced by women & girls in the communities they are domiciled. This was achieved through capacity-building activities on leadership and GBV issues, town hall meetings, sensitization & awareness campaigns in communities on the prevention of this menace and selection of community champions on SGBV among others.
The event ended on a high note with the acknowledgment of giant strides taken by the communities, the presentation of awards, group photographs and networking amongst stakeholders.
Fida Nigeria confirms the successful implication of this project in the achievement of project objectives and overwhelming satisfaction and happiness of target communities
